The Lady J: Kingston to Trenton, Ontario

Wednesday morning we were still in Kingston, hoping the weather might improve. The temperature had dipped into the 50's and the wind was still blowing pretty hard. No morning cast off for us. We decided to wait until noon to make a decision as to whether we stay another day in Kingston or move on towards Trenton. So in order to kill a little time we decided to go for a walk and ended up at the Bellevue House on the other side of town about 2 or so miles away. The Bellevue House and Gardens were built in 1840 and was the home of Sir John A. Macdonald Canada's first Prime Minister. We took the guided tour and really enjoyed it. (sorry not photos) By the time the tour was over the sun had come out and the wind had died down a bit, water looked pretty calm so we decided to high tail it back to the Lady J and see if we could head on out towards Trenton. Even though the wind was blowing it was coming out of the north and the Captain assured me that cruising in these types of conditions should be fine. So off we went, that is first with a little help from those handy dock folks to help us out of our slip, windy conditions, and exiting a dock does not fair well with the Lady J. But after some wonderful help we were able to get out of the marina and on our way. And yes the Captain was right, you heard me, the cruising was PERFECT. We headed our way up to Hay Bay where we would anchor out. Yes this is exactly what it sounds like. We found a great quiet spot on the bay, dropped anchor and spent the night there. We were so excited because it all went so well considering it was our first time. We must remember this one as I am sure they will not all go so smoothly.

Early Wednesday morning skies in Kingston

Look what we saw going out in the early morning

The conditions finally were good enough to cast off and be on our way.

A 3,000 ton Coast Guard ice breaker at the The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston

Another shot of the Museum

Beautiful

Look who we found, same boat that went out early this morning.

Captains newest navigational toy, Thanks Jeff for talking him into this one.

Our first Anchor out. It was AWESOME

Let me tell you a little something about anchoring out. First off it is so serenely quiet that I couldn't get over it. You get used to all the noise and commotion in a marina or being tied up to a dock wall, but when you are out there all by yourself, no air conditioner running and everything is so beautiful it can seriously take your breath away. The sky that night was like a picture and the stars well holy molly, being a city kid all my life I had never seen so many stars. We had an awesome view of the big dipper right outside our hatch. We had a great time and will be doing it again when conditions allow. Besides it's FREE!

The view off the stern while anchoring out

Mike reviewing charts for tomorrows cruise

Got to love the views while anchoring out.

Thursday morning was perfect, we got an early start and headed our way over to Trenton, where we had planned to spend the weekend. Rumor has it the Trent Severn Waterway is a bit crowded on the weekends. So off we went.

Expansive bridges

Needs a little work

These guys can land on anything

Oddly enough this was named snake island, but was covered in birds.

Just thought this was a cool shot.

Ran into some young sailors

This little guy seemed to have drifted off from the pack.

Learning the ropes

Start them young and teach them well.

I believe this was Bellville

Hmm some how Mike chose the marina right next to the Air Base, coincidence I think not. Some of those guys were pretty loud and Mike's head was constantly looking to the sky. It's in his blood.

The view of Trent Port Marina home for the next couple of days.

Before finding our slip we stopped to by fuel. Funny thing, they use the metric system here, oh crap does anyone know how to convert, well thank heavens the kids at the fuel dock helped us out, turns out it is about 4 to 1 when it comes to liters and gallons. Once again the kids at the marina where an awesome group, helpful, pleasant and courteous. The Trent Port Marina literally just opened on Wednesday. It's actually not completed yet but good enough for folks to stay at. Boy is it top of the line. Showers here well I will have to take a photo and show you, free laundry facilities with new washers and dryers, a boaters lounge, two computers available for use, free wifi, new docks, and a staff that is delightful. And the price is very reasonable. Within walking distance of the town, where we found out they are having the Trenton's Festival on the Bay, tonight there are supposedly fire works.